Modular Helmet with Impact Mitigation Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet designs face challenges in effectively absorbing and dispersing impact forces, particularly in reducing the risk of concussions from both direct and lateral impacts, due to the limitations of polymer foams in providing tailored responses to multi-axial loading.

Innovation Solution

The development of modular helmet components, including a less rigid and flexible outer helmet layer with integrated impact mitigation layers, such as laterally supported buckling structures, and the use of perforations in the helmet shell for improved ventilation, weight reduction, and sound transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If polymer foams are used as impact absorbing structures, then impact forces are absorbed, but the helmet cannot provide tailored responses to multi-axial loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact force absorptionVSAvoidresponse to multi-axial loading

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The impact absorbing structure is divided into multiple foam layers with different densities and properties. Each layer is positioned to respond to specific impact directions, allowing the system to provide tailored responses to multi-axial loading while maintaining overall impact absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the helmet incorporate foam layers with locally optimized properties. The foam density, thickness, and material composition vary by location to match the specific impact protection needs of different head regions, enabling direction-dependent response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a rigid helmet shell is used, then protection against object penetration is improved, but the helmet cannot effectively reduce acceleration forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against penetrationVSAvoidacceleration force reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet shell is designed with controlled flexibility in specific regions, allowing it to deform dynamically during impact events to reduce acceleration forces transmitted to the wearer's head, while maintaining sufficient rigidity to prevent object penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The helmet employs composite construction combining rigid materials for penetration resistance with flexible impact-absorbing materials for acceleration reduction. This composite approach allows different parts of the helmet to perform their specific functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If the helmet is designed with modular components, then ease of repair and reconditioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepair and reconditioning capabilityVSAvoidnumber of modular components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet is divided into modular components such as removable impact absorbing layers, interchangeable shell sections, and separable retention systems. This segmentation enables individual parts to be easily replaced or repaired without affecting the entire helmet, improving maintainability despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design significantly reduces the incidence and frequency of concussion-causing impacts by effectively dispersing and absorbing impact forces, while also enhancing the helmet's flexibility and durability, allowing for easier repair and reconditioning.

Implementation Method 1

laterally supported buckling structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Implementation Method 2

impact absorbing structures to desirably prevent and/or reduce the effect of collisions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force absorption: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

perforations in the helmet shell for improved ventilation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVentilation: Aeration

Implementation Method 4

enhanced sound transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound transmission: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS12213552B2Helmet system

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 VICIS IP LLC

AI summary

Protective clothing and/or equipment may comprise a modular helmet assembly which comprises a plurality of impact mitigation modules positioned between an outer layer and an interior layer of the helmet, optionally with a plurality of perforations or openings in an outer shell of the helmet. The plurality of impact mitigation assemblies may comprise an impact absorbing array of impact mitigation structures having at least one filament and a lateral support wall or connecting element. When force is applied to the exterior surface, the structures of the impact absorbing materials deform in a desired and controlled manner, reducing the force received by the interior layer.